So Gallman shifted to a lower gear and began learning how a little bit of patience could get him to where he wanted to go. He began to pick up on the concept of waiting for plays to develop, following his blockers and waiting for holes to materialize.

Now the redshirt freshman running back is truly living in the fast lane, emerging as a potential standout for the Tigers heading into the Dec. 29 Russell Athletic Bowl game against Oklahoma.

"Everybody's excited to be back out here," Gallman said Saturday following the Tigers' second bowl practice. "We're just ready to get down to Orlando."

But before the Tigers are afforded a change in scenery, they must get used to a change in personnel. Former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, now at SMU, has been replaced by the co-offensive coordinator tandem of Jeff Scott and Tony Elliott, the latter of whom was Gallman's former position coach.

"I have complete trust in both of those guys," Gallman said. "With coach Elliott it has been exciting. Everybody's fired up and comes into the huddle ready and smiling. We've got a bright future ahead of us."

No question there. The wealth of talent that Elliott had as running backs coach will now be afforded him as an offensive coordinator; Gallman, C.J. Davidson, Tyshon Dye and Adam Choice all return next season, forming the foundation for a group that will receive another influx of talent from some highly regarded early enrollees.

Gallman toiled behind senior D.J. Howard and C.J. Davidson early in the season, but became firmly entrenched as the Tigers' starter on Oct. 25 against Syracuse when he rambled for 101 yards – Clemson's first 100-yard rushing game of the season.

He followed that up with a 106-yard day against Wake Forest and by season's end had amassed 714 yards, 555 of which came over the season's final six games.

Gallman punctuated his campaign in a big way, rambling for 191 yards in the Tigers' 35-17 win against South Carolina.

"I was prepared and ready for that game," Gallman said. "I'm getting a feel for the game now, and trusting my offensive linemen.

"With the experience I've gotten (this year), I feel like I'm ready for anything. At the beginning, there was the trust factor, but by throwing us out there throughout the year, my confidence got a boost and I know how to prepare myself now. I trust the offensive line and know the holes are going to open up."

Now Gallman would like nothing more than to run wild in his final game of the season, which would mean finding holes and lanes against a Sooners defense that ranks 10th nationally against the run.

It's a challenge Gallman embraces and will actually savor – Oklahoma was one of his favorite teams as a youngster.

"I always liked them," Gallman said. "Now getting a chance to play against them is going to be pretty exciting."